Estevan Oriol is a photographer and director from
Los Angeles, of Mexican-Italian descent.
Best known for his distinct, gritty
35mm black and white work, documenting
chicano,
cholo culture (and Los Angeles gang culture at large), as well as celebrities within film and hip-hop, and lingerie work, his images have been featured in magazines, on album covers and in exhibitions across the world. [2] Oriol is also known for directing several music videos for the likes of
Blink 182,
D12,
Cypress Hill and more, as well as for his partnerships with life-long friend and collaborator,
Mister Cartoon for Joker Brand Clothing
and
Soul Assassins Studios, the latter of which the two opened together by way of Cypress Hill's producer,
DJ Muggs.
Career
Oriol was born in
Santa Monica, California[3] and moved to Hollywood at the age of 19.[4] He started his career as a bouncer at hip-hop clubs before moving on to tour manage
Cypress Hill and
House of Pain. During that time he began documenting his life on the road. He has photographed both gang members and celebrities alike, bringing notoriety to capturing photos of LA Fingers,[5] and Snoop Dogg's album
Ego Trippin'.[6] His work has been featured in magazines such as Complex,FHM,GQ,Vibe,Rolling Stone,The Source and many more.
In 2004, he participated in the elaboration of the videogame GTA San Andreas.
Oriol has gone on to direct music videos for rock and hip-hop artists. He has also released books and calendars, including LA Woman, published in 2009 by
Drago.[7]
In March 2018, Oriol was announced as the new Creative Director for media company BallerStatus.com. He has also become a partner.[8]
Oriol directed and was the focus of the 2020 Netflix documentary LA Originals, chronicling his and
Mister Cartoon's lives as chicano creatives, ambassadors and trailblazers in art, hip-hop and
counterculture worldwide. [4][9]